Lamentations 1 - 7.26.23

Scripture

Lamentations 1:20 (NLT)

Lord, see my anguish!  My heart is broken and my soul despairs, for I have rebelled against you. In the streets the sword kills and at home there is only death.

Observation

“Jerusalem is represented as a captive female, lamenting and seeking the mercy of God.” (Matthew Henry commentary on Christianity.com)

“The book of Lamentations is a collection of funeral poems offered on behalf of Jerusalem after its destruction in Babylon.  Despite its bleak subject matter, it offers a biblical view of how humans can respond to God in their grief and distress.  Hope is found through the complicated process of lament, a process that leads to true intimacy with God who hears the cries of his people.” (bibleproject.com)

Application

Keep running to Him through prayer and His Word. No one is too far gone for God to listen.

God hears us, even when we’ve rebelled or run away from Him.  Last Sunday, Katie preached an amazing sermon on how God sees us (El Roi). For those who missed it, here’s a direct link to the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/Bc6keA9BDuA

Part of God seeing us is knowing that He hears us too. Our prayers, grief and distress will never and has never fallen over deaf ears.  Even when we have rebelled, sinned or turned away from Him like Jerusalem did, He still hears us and will welcome us back with open arms.

Knowing that God hears and sees us, how would that change how often we communicate with Him? If you are in a season of rebellion or don’t feel “good” enough to approach Him, I encourage you to turn back to Him in prayer. He STILL hears and sees you.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank You that You know me, see me and hear me.  Thank You that I can trust that You will always be there for me when I run to You. Amen.

Here’s a link to a hymn that I love, with great words, called, “What a friend we have in Jesus.” https://youtu.be/8SCorW9r_Is

-Michelle Gaddi

Revelation 1 - 7.25.23

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation 1:11a “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches…”

OBSERVATION:  This book was written to the seven churches that were located on a major Roman road in Asia.  They were facing severe persecution.  John was exiled to the island of Patmos because he refused to stop preaching the gospel.  In John’s vision Jesus revealed His mighty power as He appeared in glory and splendor, and John was reassured that even in the severe times of persecution, God’s strength was more powerful than the opposition.  God’s power was not only more powerful, it was accessible!

Verse 16b is a powerful Scripture as it shows a sharp, double-edged sword coming out of His mouth.  That sword is the Word of God; Jesus!  This is the Word that God has hidden in every believers heart!  This is the Word that lights every believers path!  This is the Word that gives us eternal life! This is the Word that is powerful, active, and alive, and is THE WAY, the Truth, and the LIFE!   This is the Word that goes out from His mouth that does not return empty, but accomplishes what He desires, and achieves the purpose for which He sent it!  Near the end of Joh’s life, he saw this vision, and was told by God to write it down for the 7 churches, AND for Christians throughout history. 

APPLICATION:  How blessed we are to have the reassurance, like John, that no matter what comes our way, we have continual access to God’s presence and mighty power!  No matter how violent or scandalous or depressing our world becomes, we have the hope of God’s Word!  He is working out His plans and purposes, and NOTHING will be able to stop Him from accomplishing what He has set out to do! 

PRAYER:  Thank You Lord for Your Word that brings us such encouragement, even when we see such evil, crime, and chaos all around us, You are still very much in control, and we can be comforted in knowing that You are the infinite, powerful God Who is full of mercy, love, and justice, and are victorious over ALL! 

- Robin Orefice

Psalm 112 - 7.24.23

Scripture

Psalms‬ ‭112‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT

“Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.”

Observation

The author of this psalm reminds us that when you put your complete faith and trust in God, and obey His ways, you can find joy in any circumstance.

-verse 4 says: “the light will shine in the darkness for them.”

-verse 6 says: “they will not be overcome by evil.”

-verse 7 says: “they do not fear bad news because they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.”

-verse 8 says: “they are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.”

Application

The fear of God can lead us to living a fearless life.

On last Friday’s SOAP Journal, Ken picked the verse “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” It reminded me of the true meaning of that word fear. The fear that is referenced in these verses doesn’t necessarily mean scared or afraid. The word fear in these verses refers more to respect and reverence. You see, when we truly display that deep reverence for God and obey what He says, we will experience that true joy that the psalmist is talking about in this chapter. We can face whatever circumstances life throws at us knowing that our God is in control. We have a faith and hope in life, (even in the bleakest situations ), that only we who know and experience God’s love can have. We KNOW that our God is faithful! And just like this psalm reminds us, God WILL be our light, even in our darkest hours. God WILL not let evil overcome us. And God WILL care for us whenever we confidently trust in Him. So my question today is…what do we have to fear?..especially when God is with us.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”-Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬

Prayer

‭Father God please forgive me whenever I allow fear to creep through in my life. I look back at my life and see that You are always faithful and that You have never failed me. Thank You Jesus! May I never forget that. May I stay on Your path, by Your side, all the days of my life. May I give You all the respect, glory, and honor You deserve. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi